Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU’s Josep Borrell condemned Israeli settlers’ violence in the West Bank, proposing sanctions against enablers, including Israeli officials, amid escalating conflict and rising Palestinian casualties.
What are the implications of Borrell’s proposed EU sanctions?
EU foreign policy chief denounced the latest attack by Israeli settlers against a Palestinian village near the city of Nablus in the West Bank, stating he plans to propose further sanctions against their partners, including those in the administration. “Day after day, in an almost total impunity, Israeli settlers fuel violence in the occupied West Bank, contributing to endanger any chance of peace,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said.
“The Israeli government must stop these unacceptable actions immediately. I confirm my intention to table a proposal for EU sanctions against violent settlers’ enablers, including some Israeli government members,” he stated.
How did Israeli settlers attack the Palestinian village of Jit?
Israeli settlers in the colonised West Bank stormed the village of Jit, setting houses and cars on fire The settlers opened fire and hurled tear gas at residents, killing a 23-year-old Palestinian and critically wounding another, Palestinian health officials and local authorities stated.
At least two people pursued medical help for injuries from stones thrown at them, while a third person needed help due to smoke inhalation, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Sufian Jit, a local of the village, stated a group of 100 settlers poured in before sundown Thursday, burning cars, puncturing water tankers and demolishing homes. He called the army and firefighters, begging for help.
Firefighters never arrived, so villagers ran between burning automobiles to put out the fires, he said. After two hours, soldiers came. “It was more than 100 settlers against us. At the start, just a few people were trying to stop them, and then later the whole town came and stopped them,” he stated.
How is the international community responding to the escalating conflict?
The attack was the latest happening since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October. In the West Bank, 633 Palestinians have been slain by Israeli fire most by Israeli incursions into Palestinian cities and towns. Meanwhile, international diplomacy to stop the war in Gaza from spreading into a broader regional conflict intensified Friday, with the UK and French foreign ministers pushing a joint trip to Israel while internationally negotiated cease-fire talks in Qatar were expected to enter their second day.
What is the current Palestinian casualty toll in Gaza and the West Bank?
The new impulse for an end to the Israel-Hamas war came as the Palestinian casualty toll in Gaza climbed past 40,000, according to Gaza health authorities, and worries remained high that Iran and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon would strike Israel in retaliation for the killings of top militant leaders.
